Question 38: What is prayer?

Answer: Prayer is pouring out our hearts to God in praise, petition, confession of sin, and thanksgiving.

Kids Answer: Prayer is pouring out our hearts to God.

Key Scripture: Psalm 62:8

Additional Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 18:9-14

At its most basic, prayer is simply communion with God. Prayer actually has very little to do with the words spoken and the formulas used. It is about the Person being prayed to, not the person praying. In fact, you could say that true prayer begins in the heart of God! In John 17 Jesus gives us a wonderful promise for prayer. When we abide in Christ and His word, ask in accordance with His will and His character, and act in faith, we will receive whatever it is we request.

Questions to ask: (To help process the truth we learned. Ask yourself, a friend, your group, or your family questions to talk through it together)

• What does it mean that true prayer begins in the heart of God?

• What does it mean to pray in accordance with Christ’s will and character?

• Can we simply ask for whatever we want?

• Must we have a certain amount of faith to have our prayers answered?